Online Shopping Risks For Businesses: A Safety Checklist For Irish SMEs

by | Nov 20, 2025 | Trends & Insights

Online shopping isn’t just for consumers; Irish businesses are increasingly sourcing supplies, equipment, and software online. But with this convenience comes growing online shopping risks for businesses, from data breaches to fraudulent websites that can compromise sensitive company information.

For businesses of all sizes, especially SMEs operating in hybrid or remote setups, cyber threats aren’t abstract concerns. From phishing scams to fake websites and compromised Wi-Fi networks, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard sensitive data.

At Arbelos, we help Irish businesses stay secure, streamlined, and productive every day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 9 essential online shopping safety tips to help your team purchase and procure confidently and avoid common cyber pitfalls.

 

Online shopping risks for businesses: 9 tips for ordering securely online

 

#1. Always verify website legitimacy

Before making any purchase, double-check the website’s address. Legitimate websites will begin with “https://” and show a padlock symbol in the address bar.

Make sure to also:

  • Stick to known and trusted retailers
  • Be cautious of pop-up ads or strange URLs
  • Avoid downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources

If something feels off, it probably is. When in doubt, check with your IT team, or better yet, let our experienced cybersecurity experts manage your web filtering and DNS security.

 

#2. Watch out for phishing scams

Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated and common, especially around busy shopping periods like Black Friday, Christmas, and the January sales.

  • Watch for poor grammar, urgent language, or unknown senders
  • Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails or texts
  • Report any suspicious emails to your IT provider immediately

Our cybersecurity services offer phishing protection, user training, and security assessments to help your team stay alert and aware.

 

#3. Use strong passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Creating strong, unique passwords for each account is essential. But remembering them all is not practical or realistic. That’s where a password manager comes in handy.

  • Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts
  • Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible

If you need help setting this up across your team, we provide unified endpoint management and secure credential storage solutions as part of our Managed IT Services.

 

Online Shopping Risks For Businesses - A Safety Checklist For Irish SMEs - Arbelos (2)

 

#4. Monitor financial transactions

Keep a close eye on your company’s payment accounts. Set up alerts for unusual activity, and review statements regularly.

  • Choose credit cards or PayPal over debit when purchasing online
  • Avoid entering payment details on suspicious or unknown platforms
  • Never send sensitive financial data over email or unsecured forms

For added peace of mind, our clients benefit from proactive monitoring and incident response, helping detect suspicious activity before it becomes a threat.

 

#5. Be wary of public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks can be risky. Avoid entering passwords or financial data when connected to open networks.

  • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for encrypted browsing
  • Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections
  • Encourage remote staff to follow secure Wi-Fi policies

We offer VPN deployment, network hardening, and remote device protection to keep your team secure, no matter where they work.

 

#6. Choose secure payment options

When making purchases online, choose secure and traceable payment methods.

  • Avoid direct bank transfers or payments over unsecured platforms
  • Use credit cards or business payment tools that offer fraud protection
  • Consider corporate procurement systems with integrated security

We can help you assess and secure your online purchasing workflows, integrating security into every financial touchpoint.

 

#7. Be alert to delivery scams

Fake delivery notifications are an increasingly popular tactic for tricking staff into sharing sensitive information.

  • Don’t click on links in SMS or email claiming failed deliveries
  • Verify delivery details directly with suppliers
  • Train staff to escalate suspicious messages

With these tips, your team will know how to spot and stop these scams before they spread.

 

#8. Review your Return and Privacy Policies

Before ordering from any supplier or ecommerce site, review their return and privacy policies. These documents can reveal how your data is handled.

  • Look for vague or missing privacy terms
  • Avoid suppliers who don’t provide clear refund/return guidance
  • Ensure compliance with GDPR when sharing any business data

We assist Irish SMEs in reviewing cloud platforms, suppliers, and third-party tools to ensure compliance and data security.

 

#9. Stay informed and stay ahead

Cyber threats evolve constantly, and so should your defences:

  • Subscribe to trusted IT security blogs or newsletters
  • Conduct regular security audits with your IT provider
  • Provide staff with ongoing training on cyber hygiene

With Arbelos as your managed IT partner, you don’t have to stay ahead alone. We keep our clients up to date on the latest threats, patches, and best practices, so you can stay focused on running your business.

 

Online Shopping Risks For Businesses - A Safety Checklist For Irish SMEs - Arbelos (3)

 

Avoid online shopping risks for businesses with our checklist

Whether you’re ordering tech, office supplies, software licences, or even festive gifts for staff, following these best practices can help you avoid falling into cyber traps.

With Arbelos managing your IT, you gain a partner who puts your security, productivity, and peace of mind first.

Your online safety checklist:

  • Check website URLs for “https” and padlocks
  • Stay vigilant for phishing scams
  • Use strong passwords + enable 2FA
  • Monitor financial transactions regularly
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN
  • Opt for secure, traceable payment methods
  • Watch for fake delivery notifications
  • Review policies before you buy
  • Stay informed and train your team

From phishing protection and password management to endpoint security and remote device control, Arbelos delivers robust, reliable IT security services that help Irish SMEs shop, work, and grow safely.

Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can protect your people, platforms, and purchases.

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